Game Review

This 102 point smashing of the Bombers remains our biggest victory over Essendon (as at March, 2009). The win was earned on the back of the great Harry Vallence, who kicked a then club record against the Dons of 9 goals.

The Blues dominated from the first bounce. Essendon only broke even on the wings and were completely beaten in every other position.

The Age, "Reynolds (Ess), handicapped by an injured back, played strongly in the centre, but Shea, playing wide, was a driving force for the Blues, whose uncanny anticipation, slick passing, peerless position play and effortless long-range kicking completely disorganised the visitors. The Blues could do no wrong. Chain passing from man to man with dexterity and system, they always contrived to have loose men handy, and their leading out to position was treat to witness. The electrifying Vallence, the polished Shea, and the ruggedness of Johnson, Cooper, Davey and others thrilled the crowd, and Carlton led by 21 points at quarter-time, 49 at the interval, 65 at the third change, and 102 points at the bell." "All the Carlton men were prominent, but Vallence with his tremendous torpedo punts, scored freely from all angles and distances, and his marking was the best on the ground. Shea led countless moves from the centre, and Crisp, Gill, Johnson, Hale, Gilby and Collard all gave tip top performances."